OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is an application that is used as an open-source live video production software. Specifically, OBS users can produce live videos, they can do live streaming and they can also record the streams. While its packed with many features, users can also add their own supported plugins, which can extend its functionalities. For example, users can install plugins that support VST, NDI, and stream deck controls. Those are the basic things you need to know about OBS. With that in mind, we will discuss OBS Studio and show you its main features, and we will also show you alternatives to OBS Studio if it does not meet your needs.

Part 1: What is OBS Studio

OBS Studio is an application, primarily used for screen capture, video recording, live streaming, and visual mixing. What makes OBS Studio one of the best in its category are its luxurious features that are often found in premium software. Moreover, its features can be extended with native and third-party plugins, software extensions, and individual applications. It is available for Windows, Linux and macOS platforms. OBS Studio is freeware, which means all its premium features are free for use. Here are the top six OBS Studio features:

  • Video Broadcasting
  • This is one of the primary uses of this software, which is to stream videos in real-time. While it is free, it provides vital features to make online broadcasting distinctive. Its video broadcasting capabilities enable users to live stream on many platforms including Facebook Live, YouTube and of course Twitch. In fact, more than half of Twitch streamers use OBS Studio.

  • Video Recording
  • Video broadcasting will surely go hand in hand with video recording. You live streams can also be saved as video recordings. OBS Studio is best known for allowing users to record videos without any frustrating time limit, just as long as you have enough storage.

  • Freely assign Hot Keys
  • With OBS Studio, users can freely set hotkeys for most types of actions. For example, you can set hot keys to starting or stopping recording, to start and stop live streaming, to mute audio etc., which should enable better navigation within the software.

  • Branding options
  • While it is free for use, OBS Studio is not going to put watermarks on your video which is just great. Instead, it allows you to put your own logos and watermarks should you want to. That should give your streams and recordings a more personal touch.

  • Unlimited scene numbers
  • If you wish to set as many scenes as you want and switch between seamlessly, then OBS Studio will allow you to do just that. You only need to make sure that your computer has enough resources for that.

  • An advanced and easy to use audio mixer
  • OBS offers an intuitive audio mixer, which has many filters for each source (such as gain, suppression and noise gate). Users also get the freedom to choose among surround sound, multi-language, multichannel, and single-channel streaming options.

    OBS Studio has plenty of more features, which make it one of the best in its category. However, that is not to say there are no competitors. Therefore, refer to the next segment to find out about the eight best alternative to OBS.

    Part 2: Eight alternatives to OBS Studio

    OBS Studio is probably the best software in its category, especially given the fact that you can put additional first party and third party plugins. However, it has alternatives and we will therefore present the best alternative to OBS Studio. Here is the list:

    1. Xsplit Broadcaster & Gamecaster

    This is the best OBS alternative at the time of writing. It has live streaming and recording capabilities, and it was also one of the early softwares that made it to the gaming live streaming boom. It is best known for its quick and smooth set up for live streaming with high definition quality. It has lots of features, much like what you can find on OBS Studio, and it streaming to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch etc.

    Xsplit-Broadcaster-Gamecaster

    2. Steam

    Yes, you not only get to purchase and manage your games on Steam, but you can also do live streaming. Although it lacks some of the most advanced features found on OBS Studio, Steam has its own set of features that make it one of the best alternatives. For example, your can manage the community you stream to directly within the application.

    steam

    3. Elgato

    The reason why Elgato makes it to third place for OBS Studio alternatives is its flashback recording feature. This feature will let you record some parts you missed, and if you need you can also add videos audio feed to your live streams. It also has a beautiful interface, which is one of its most attractive features.

    elgato

    4. Lightstream

    As suggests by the name, this is a lightweight streaming software that is browser-based. It is placed on number 4 because it is perfect for people who have low-spec computers, who just want to do some basic streaming. Moreover, beginners generally find it easier to use this software based on user feedback.

    lightstream

    5. Discord

    Discord offers live streaming capabilities, and it is mostly similar to Steam in terms of the features it offers. The main difference is the friend calling feature (which obviously enhances the gaming experience). You can call your friends while doing the live stream. You can also develop and sell your game to the Discord community.

    discord

    6. Nvidia Shadowplay

    If it comes from one of the top GPU manufacturers, it must be awesome right? Indeed, Nvidia Shadowplay is one of the best alternatives to OBS, because it is optimized for performance. That is because it is built with drivers that work with Nvidia, as well as other graphics cards, which resultantly gives you better and higher speed streams.

    nvida-shadow-play

    7. Bandicam

    Many people who stream on YouTube reportedly use Bandicam for recording their screen. Although it does not have live streaming capabilities, it is a lightweight application that is very easy to use. It easily captures games that use the DirectX/OpenGL/Vulkan graphic technologies.

    bandicam

    8. Bebo

    This is another live streaming and recording software that is optimized for low-end computers. What makes it one of the best software is its high performance on low-end PCs. While it can stream to Twitch, it was unfortunately discontinued for Facebook and YouTube so you should take note.

    bebo

    Bonus: A superb program to edit/convert the recorded videos

    One of the top features of OBS Studio is its ability to record anything that you are recording or capturing, even in full HD resolution. There is a high chance that you might want to do some simple video editing or conversion for your OBS Studio recorded videos, which brings us to Leawo Video Converter Ultimate. As an advanced video converter, it is built with a simple, easy to use and advanced video editor. Read about some of its features below to find out why you should use it for your video editing and conversion needs:

    Leawo Video Converter Ultimate has a lot more features that you can learn about from the product page. If you need to edit or convert your OBS Studio recorded videos, follow the steps below:

    Step 1: Launch the Video Converter module

    Leawo Video Converter is integrated into Leawo Prof. Media which has several other modules. Simply click the “Video Converter” from the main interface.

    leawo-video-converter-ultimate-interface

    Step 2: Import the recorded OBS Studio video(s)

    Click the “Add Video” button to open a dialogue box where you can search the videos, or simply drag them right into the application.

    leawo-video-converter-ultimate-interface

    Step 3: Select the output format

    Next to the green “Convert” button, there is a button labeled as “MP4 Video”. Click it, then click “Change” from the drop-down menu. Next, you click “Format”, then under “Common Video” find and select “MP4 Video” or a video format of your choice.

    leawo-video-converter-ultimate-interface

    Step 4: Edit the video

    You can edit the videos with the easy-to-use built-in video editor, and the options include trimming, watermarking, applying effects, and converting 2D videos to 3D videos. To enter the editing menu, click the video editing icon.

    leawo-video-converter-ultimate-interface

    Step 5: Start conversion

    Click the green “Convert” button. Please set a directory under the “Save to” box which is near the top of the sidebar which pops up. Click the “Convert” button at the bottom of sidebar to start converting your video(s).

    leawo-video-converter-ultimate-interface